what is the reason for hair fall - #22609
I am really worried about my hair fall. For the past few months, it’s gotten way worse and I can’t figure out why! I’m 28, not super stressed, I think, and my diet’s pretty okay but definitely not the healthiest. I noticed clumps of hair in my shower drain like, every time I wash my hair! I mean, I always lose some hair, but this is so much more. I asked a friend about it and they said it could be hormonal or something related to my thyroid? I told my doctor about it, and they did some blood test. The results said I was mostly normal, but no clear explanations on what is the reason for hair fall. I feel like I am losing more hair than usual... like, should I get a second opinion? I have this nagging feeling that maybe it’s a symptom of something bigger, but what could it be? I read about stress and diet impacts, but I'm not on any crazy diets. Just wondering, can anyone share experiences about what is the reason for hair fall? Like, can it just be from shampoo too? I really want to resolve this before it gets worse.
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Doctors' responses
Hair fall, especially when it feels like it’s happening all of a sudden and in considerable amounts, can definitely be concerning. It’s good that you’ve conducted blood tests, as they can help rule out some of the common culprits like thyroid abnormalities or anemia. But let’s talk about some other factors that might contribute to significant hair loss. You’re right to consider hormonal changes, and while your blood work was normal, sometimes subclinical changes can still play a role, but these are often subtle. Especially in women, changes such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or after stopping hormonal contraceptives could impact hair growth. Stress could also be more influential than it appears; even if you don’t feel extremely stressed, past stress or stress that you perceive as manageable may trigger hair shedding known as telogen effluvium. Your diet plays a role too. Even if it’s not extreme, a lack of key nutrients like iron, protein, or essential vitamins (like B vitamins, vitamin D, or zinc) might contribute. Also, pay attention to your hair care products—while shampoo alone is unlikely the root cause, harsh chemicals or frequent use of heat styling can lead to increased damage and breakage, making hair loss appear worse. Consulting with a dermatologist who specializes in hair disorders can give a more targeted evaluation and treatment plan. They can check for conditions like alopecia areata or androgenetic alopecia, which are common and treatable. Tracking how much you’re losing and any triggers may also offer clues. If hair loss continues or worsens, getting that second opinion may be worthwhile. It’s definitely worth staying proactive to prevent any potential progression.
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